Stamp-affixing and envelop-sealing machine.



r P. R. S. DITMARS.

STAMP AFFIXING AND ENVELOP SEALING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAB.1, 1909.

Patented Aug. 22, 1911.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

P. R. S. DITMARS.

STAMP AFFIXING AND ENVELOP SEALING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FI'LED MAR. 1. 1909.

1,001,001, Patented Aug. 22, 1911.

5 SHEETSSHEET 2.

F. R. S. DITMAR-S. STAMP AFFIXING AND ENVBLOP SEALING MACHINE.APPLICATION FILED MAR. 1. 1909.

1 ,OOl ,OOl Patented Aug. 22, 1911.

. 5 SHEET$"'SHEBT5. +7 140 24.5"

224 120 146 16 Fig. 8. J2

J5? ZZZ 225 oo Q 0 1 1 227 15 222 E 95 9% mm as 220 79 82 witnesses.\jnventon 7 j (a)? M5 'Q ZZZJ/ /z/Z (Z WWW... %2%%/ m/ flit-0177fication.

sTAT- s PATENT ()EFICE.

FREDERICK its. DITMARSQ E KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI, ASSIGNOB. or'rwo-rrnmns 'ro WILLIAM.I'C..RENFROW, or KANSAS CITY, -MISSOURI.

. .s'rAMrrrIxI e Am) Specification of Letters Patent.

ENVELOR-SEALING MACHINE.

Patented Aug. 22, 1911.

Application filed March 1, 1909. Serial No. 480,752.

provements in Stamp-Afiixing and Envelop sea'ling Machines; and I dohereby declare-that the following is a full, clear, and exactdescription of the invention, such as will enable others to make and usethe same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, formingapart of this speciw .The invention has for its object z firstz themoistening and sealing of the envelop, and

the moistening and affixing of the stamps, in

the progressive movement of the envelops eating carriage carrying thestamp-roller through the machine, so that these -operations maybeperformed rapidly and in the.

proper'sequence; and second: to control the action of the stamp-affixingmechanismupon the completion of the movements and the final discharge ofall the envelops from the machine.

The invention consists in'the novel constructionand combination ofparts,.sueh as will be first fully described and then specificallypointed out in the claims.

In the drawings: Figure 1. is a view, in perspective, of the novelstampailixing machine, in readiness to receive the envelops and to befed through the machine, the stamp-affixing mechanism being out of gear,the position of the reciprobeing shown in its movement inwardly towardthe position of the applied power. Fig. 2. is a plan view of the machineas seen in .Fig. 1. Fig. 3. is a transverse, vertical, sectional view ofthe machine, taken upon the line at, as, on Fig. 2, looking forwardlylFig. 4.'is a longitudinal, vertical, sectional view 'of the machine,taken upon the line 3 g, on Fig. 2. Fig. 5. is a plan view, in detail,of the frame of the machine, showing the longitudinal bars formingthetable, the track rails on the inner portions of the sides of the frame,and the reciprocating envelop feeder frame, mounted on the track rails,the transversemain power shaft, the mechanism actuated by the said shaftfor actuating the envelop feeder, and the transverse the initial feederplate being shown in dotted lines above the moistening roller, and theforward end plate broken away. Fig. 6. is a detail View of the forwardend portion of the side plate upon the left hand side of the main frameshowing the main power shaft in section, also showing the mechanismactuating the stamp. carrying feeding andafiixing devices, and thedevices for throwing the latter out of gear.- Fig. 7. is a detail Viewof the portion of the side frame and mechanism as seen in Fig. 6,-andtaken from a position at right angles thereto andlooking rearwardly fromthe forward end of the machine. Fig. 8. is a side view, in elevation,taken upon the right hand side of the machine and of the portion of themachine at its forward end showing the reciprocating, stamp-supportingand feeding carriage,

the envelop moistener and the operating mechanisms, a portion 'of theside of the mainframe being-broken'away to show the end of thereceptacle and conductor. Fig.9. is a detail rear view of thereciprocating carriage and stamp-carrying roller, showing the tube onthe carriage connected with the outer end of the supportingrod onthe'main frame of the mach1ne, showing the clamp on the rod, alsoshowing the side plate of the main frame in section, and the arm orbracket connecting the clamp with the side plate; also showing a portionof the rod for throwing the stamp-feeding devices out of gear, and; thepins on the rod, in the path of the envelops. Figs. 10 and 11 are detailviews of the hooks engaging with the ratchet teeth. on the reciprocatingcarriage, from a position forward ofthe'carriage and also longitudinalthereto, showing the positions of the hooked catches operatively.

- Fig. 12 is a detail view, in perspective, of a portion of thefrontplate of the main frame of the machine, showing the plates betweenwhich the stamps are separated from the sheet, alsoshowinga portion ofthe recipro-' eating carriage "carrying the sheet 1 of stamps, and theupperand lower feed rollers, and a portion ofthe yielding plate beneaththe stamp carrying roller. Fig. 13 is an enlarged, detail, side view ofthe clutch on the main power shaft. Fi g. 14 is a detail side view of aportion of the outer end of the slotted tube showing a portion of theside of the reci rocatin carriage, and slotted tube, .in verticalsection. Fig. 15; is a detail,

vertical, sectional view of the gear and clutch controlling the movement'of the stamp-feeding devices, taken from the front of the machine.

Similar numerals of reference indicate corresponding parts in all thefigures of the drawings.

Referring tothe drawings, the main supporting frame of the machine, asshown is plate 17, narrow portions 18, of the ends of.

which plate are bent at right angles and extended forwardly to aposition in vertical lines with the forward ends of' the upwardextensions 16, of the side plates 15, and secured rigidly thereto. Theupper surface of this plate extends upwardly a short distance above theline of the upper surface of the extensions 16, of the side plate, andits lower, longitudinal surface extends downwardly to a position aslight distance above the line of the upper surface of the sides 15, ofthe frame in rear of the extensions, as seen in Figs. 3 and 4.

The table or bed of the machine and upon which the envelops are groupedand fed to the stamp-affixing devices consists of a number of narrowplates or slats 19, arrangedat short distances apart and extending inthe longitudinal direction of the sides of the machine. The forward endsof these plates or slats extend to a position beneath the lower surfaceof the front end-plate 17. The support for said forward ends of theslats 19, consist of 'a transverse flat plate 20. A downwardly-bentportion 21, of said plate, is secured rigidly to the inner surface ofthe side 15, upon the left-hand side of the main frame, and from saidpoint of connection the plate extends longitudinally to a point 22, inthe direction of and a short distance inwardly from the inner surface ofthe other side 15, at which point a portion of the plate is bent atright angles and extended downwardly a short distance, thence bent atright angles and extended to and connected rigidly with the innersurfati pf the side 15, on the right hand side of the main frame of themachine, forming a depressed portion 23, of the plate 20. The forwardend of one of the slats 19 extends above this depressed portion.23, andis provided with arectangular shaped end 24, as

seen in Fig. 5. With the l wtlur facff the depressed portion 23, ofpla;te2;20,,. .1s g connected a casting 25, through which and theportion 23 of the plate 20, extends a perforation 26.

27 is a bolt extending through the perforation 26, and connected at itsupper end with the lower surface of the portion 24, of the slat 19. Uponthe lower end of the bolt is a head 28, bearing upon the lower surfaceof the casting 25. Extending around the bolt 27 is a spiral-spring 29,its lower end bearing on'the upper surface of the casting 25, and itsupper end supporting, yieldingly, the end port-ion 24, of the slat 19,and upon which the portion of the envelop upon which thflstamp isaflixed'is supported. The rear end portions of the slats or the forwardto the rear end of the main frame, at which point the slats are bentdownwardly in a single curved line, as at 30, and then extended'rearwardly from said curved'line to a position a short distance in rearof the line of the rear ends'15, of the main frame 14. With the lowersurfaces of the rear ends of the plate 19 is connected rigidly atransverse connecting bar or plate 31. The ends '-:of-'the bar 31 arebent at right angles, and portions 32 are extended downwardly to aposition in line with the lowerfsurfaces' of the rear ends of the sidesthe upper surfaces of which bars are in po-- sitions about midway thelines of the upper and lower surfaces of the said sides 15, of the mainframe. The bars extend from the line of the rear end of sides 15, andterminate at a point .a short distance in rear of the inner surface ofthe front plate 17, at the forward end of the main frame.

The forward impulse to the envelops is given by the power imparted froma reciprocating envelop carrier frame 35. This frame consists of anarrow transverse rear end bar 36, beneath the slats 19, and locatedinwardly from and parallel with the rear end supporting bar 31, for saidslats; and

the forward, transverse bar 37, located about midway the line of theforward ends of the slats 19, and the curvedportions 30, of said slats.The ends of these bars extend downwardly to form shoulders 38, and towhich are pivoted the small rollers 39, which bear upon the uppersurface of the track bars 34.

With the upper surface of the transverse bar 36, adjacent to the wheels39, are connected fixedly the rear ends of the narrow strips or bars 40,the forward ends of which strips extend to and are connected rigidlywith the upper surface of the transverse bar 37 and also extend a shortdistance forward of the lines of said bar. Upon the upper surface andforward ends of the bars 40 are fixed the envelop ejecting and feedingblocks 41, the upper surfaces of which are rearwardly inclined as seenin Figs. 4 and 5.

Between the centrally located slats 19, and also between the pairs ofslats upon each side of the said centrally located slats are narrowstrips or bars 42, which are short in length, and are also in the samehorizontal plane as slats 19, and connected rigidly with the uppersurface of the transverse bar 37, and extend forwardlyprecisely the samedis- .tance as the forward ends of the bars 40,

and are also provided with the inclined blocks upon their uppersurfaces, which are the same as the inclined blocks 41. The rear endsofthese strips are secured to the upper surface of a transverse bar 44,located a proper distance forward of the downwardly curved portions 30,of the longitudinal slats 19. This transverse bar 44 is the same inconstruction as the forward transverse bar .37, and is secured to theunder side of the longitudinal strips or bars 40, and provided withrollers 45, movable on the track bars 34.

47 indicates the vertical holder for holding temporarily in position apack or stack of envelops to be stamped. This holder is located upon theright hand side of the machine, and upon the upper surface of the slats19, forming the table to the machine. The back 48, of the envelop rackor holder, is provided with a rearwardly extended flange 49, in whichare slots 50, and'through said slots extend the adjusting screws 51,which screws are secured to the slats 19. The back 48, of the holder forthe envelops, is adjusted in position upon the slats 19, the properdistance in rear of the downwardly curved portion 30, of said-slats,which as shown is about. one-half the width of an ordinary envelop. Asshown the back 48 extends transversely to the machine, the length of anordinary commercial size envelop. For oflicial size envelops the back 48would be of course extended. The stackholder 47, has an end 52,extending forwardly parallel with and adjacent to the side 15, on theright hand side of the machine, its lower surface being a short dis-'tance above the plane ofthe slats 19. (See Fig. 4.) Within thecurved,'depressed portions 30, of the slats 19, is secured'fixedly atrough 53, extending from the inner surface of one side 15, ofthemachine, to the inner surface of the other side. The trough issemi-circular in cross-section, and provided with ends 54, alsosemi-circular the upper surfaces of which side and ends are below thehorizontal line of the lower surfaces of the strips 40, of thereciprocating frame 35.

'ciprocat-ing frame 35.

In the ends 54, of the trough, are slots 55, i

and within the trough is a roller 56, "circular in cross-section andprovided with pivot bearings 57, resting in the slots 55. (See Figs. 1and 5.) Upon a portion of the surface of the roller 56 is aconcentrically attached absorbent 58, consisting of felt, or

like substance, and in the position of the roller is upon the surfaceupward.

60 indicates the envelop transferer and feeding plate for the envelops,which is made of the proper width to feed the envelops from the pack inrack 47, and is located above the roller 56, its ends extending to aposition above the upper surface of and attached to the bars 40, of thereciprocating frame 35. Upon the lower surface of the plate 60 and onthe portion of said plate movable over' the roller 56 is an absorbent61, composed of felt or like substance, the thickness of which absorbent58 on roller 56, being such as to come into contact with the felt orabsorbent 61, and compel the rotation of the roller 56 in such a degreeas to extend a portion of the absorbent 58 with-. in the lower portionof the trough 53, in the reciprocal movement of the frame 35. With therear portions of the plate 60 are connected the forward end portions ofnarrow plates 62', the rear ends of which plates are connected fixedlywith the upper surface of the transverse bar 36, 'of the reciprocatingframe 35, shown in dotted lines in Fig.-

5. The forward end portion 63, of the feed plate 60, is inclined in theproper degree. forwardly and upwardly, so as to enter beneath thesealing flap of an envelop placed thereon. WVithin the end 54, of thetroughthe bottom of the trough.

65 indicates a separate feed plate, of the same length and positioned inadvance, of the feed plate 60. This feed plate 65 is narrow in width,and is provided with a forwardly and downwardly-extended porlion 66,attached to the bars 40, on the re- The said portion 66, of the feedplate 65, serves to incline the said plate 65 rearwardly and downwardlyin the proper degree, the position of the rear end of said plate 65being but a short distance in advance of the upwardly-inclined portion63, of the feed plate 60.

For the purpose of holding and guiding the envelops advanced by the feedplate 65 on the reciprocating frame 35, and at the same time producinguniformity in movement, a plate 67, extending transversely to themachine is inclined forwardly and downwardly, and provided with fingers68, which bear upon theupper surface and bed of the machine. Thesefingers are shown varying in width, but may be uniform if preferred.

plate 65, upon the outer surface of the sides 15, of the mainframe aresecured adjustably the standards 69, in the lower ends plate being bentaround the rod as seengin",

Fig. 4. In order to keep the fingers 68 uni; der tension, wire springs75 are. wound' of which are slots 70, through which extends the bolts71, and upon which are the adjusting nuts 72. With the rear surfaces ofthe standards 69 are integrally connected the endsgof a vertical plate73, the. lower surface of Which plate extends downwardly,

to a position approximately in line horizontally with the upper surfacesof the side 15, of the main frame. Through the stand- 1 ards 69, at apoint a considerable. distanceabove the line'of'the upper surfaces ofthe sides 15, to give the incline to plate 67, extends a rod 74, theupper portionof the around the ends of rod 74,-one end bearing on theupper surface of plate 67, and the other secured to plate 73. (See Fig.1.)

Guidebars 73*, for the envelops, extend forwardly from'the line of thelower sun face of the plate 73, to a posit-ion in rear of fingers 68,the rear ends of which bars are bent at right angles and extend upwardlyand are secured by brazing to the forward surface of said plate 73. (SeeFigs. 2 and 4.)

The mechanism operating the reciprocating carriage 35 is located beneaththe slats or table of the main frame of the machine, which frame issupported by the legs 76, located on the side plate a short distanceforward its rear ends and legs 77 located. a short distance in rear ofthe forward ends of said plates 15, the said legs being provided withoutwardly-extended, perforated flanges 7 8, for attachment to the table.At the forward end of the machine, the portions of the side-plate '15forward of the legs 77 extend downwardly a short distance and alsoinwardly to said legs, as seen at 7 9. through and journaled in whichdownward extensions of plate 15 at points upon the line of the lowersurfaces of plates 15, in rear of legs 77, and also a slight distance inrear of a vertical line passing the rear surface of plate 18, supportingthe bars 19, extends the main driving power shaft 80, of the machine.

The end of the shaft upon the right hand side ofthe machine extendsoutwardly a considerable distance beyond the line of the outer surfaceof plate 15, as further described. Upon a portion of shaft 80intermediate the sides 15, of the main frame, is a bevel gear- 81. Alongitudinal powershaft 82, is extended from the shaft 80, near thegearforwardly to a position a short dis is niounted' in abearing 83, securedin position by the separate round bars 84 the approximate height ofshaft 80, the inner ends'of which bars are rigidly connected with thebearing 83, the outer ends of said bars being secured rigidly to thelower sur- HfaGesof. the side plates 15,0f the main frame, immediatelyabove the line of connection of-legs 77. Upon the said forward .end ofshaft-'82 is a bevel gear 85,.which j meshes withj 'the bevel gear 81,on shaft 80.

The rearend of shaft 82 is inclined down- *wardly to give room forconnecting with thetable, and'in t transverse line with the forwardsurfaces of the rear legs 76, is arranged at a slight angle to saidsurfaces a bearing 86, in which is a shaft 87, upon the upper end ofwhich shaft is a crank-arm 88.

This bearing 86 issupported in position by a single transverse plate orbar 89, extending totheinner'surfaces of both rear legs '76, at a pointa little above an intermediate pointfrom thelower ends of said legs totheir point of connection with the side plates 15. The'ends of bar 89,are bent at right angles and secured to the legs 76, by screws 89".(See-Fig. 4.) The'lower' end of the shaft 87 extends a short distancebelow the line of the lower surface of bearing 86, and upon said end isa bevel gear 90. Upon the rear end-of shaft 82 is a reduced portion orpivot 91, which extends within an opening 92, in the forward surface ofthe casting or hearing 86, at a point a short distance above the lowerend of said bearing.

Upon the shaft 82 is a bevel gear 93, which meshes with the bevel gear90. (See Figs. 4 and 5.) With the crank arm 88 is connected one end of aconnecting bar 94, the other end of which bar extends for- .wardly andalso inclined upwardly to a position beneath the forward end of one ofthe short bars 42, carrying the feed blocks 41, on the reciprocatingcarriage 35, and located above the shaft 82. Upon the said lower surfaceof said bar is a pivot bolt 95, which connects the bar with the bar 42and by means of which a reciprocal movement is given the carriage 35.

In order to guide the envelops upon leaving the guide 'fingers 68, anumber of horizontal bars 96 are located above the alternate slats 19,of the table, the forward ends of which bars extend forwardly directlybeneath the lower surface of the front plate 17, and the forward endportions are bent at right angles and extended upwardly upon the outersurface of plate 17. These ends of the bars 96 are slotted at 97, andsecured to said plate 17 by adjusting screws 98, and

between the lower surfaces of said bars and upper surfaces of bars isformed the adjustable delivery opening 96*, for the envelops.

The rear ends of bars 96 are curved upwardly in a slight degree at 99-,and thence extended rearwardly the proper distance to guide the envelopswhich pass over the inclined surfaces of the blocks 41. To the lowerportion and inner surface of the front plate 17 and directly above thebars 96, is

secured a horizontal plate 100 of consider,- able width. Upon the uppersurface and at one end of this plate 100, the stamps are fed as furtherdescribed. This plate e x tends from the inner surface of one exten--sion 16, of the side plates 15, on the left hand side of the machine tothe inner surface of the upward extension on the right hand side of themachine, and is approximately the width of the latter extension. Thisplate 100 is provided with a vertical flange 101, in its inner portion,which is secured fixedly to said front plate 17. At the" forward end ofthe machine opposite the delivery opening 96, for the envelops, are theparallel upper roller 102 and lower roller 103. These rollers are.journaled at their respective ends on'the forwardly extended flanges18, on the frontplate 17 r The journal on the lower roller 103, extendsthrough the flange 18, and the upper "extension 16, of the side plate15, upon the right hand side ofthe machine a short dis tance, as seen inFig. 8, and upon said journal-"is fixed a gear wheel 105. Upon the endof the main power shaft 80, which also extends through the said flange.18 and the lower extension of the side plate15, is a gear wheel 106,which meshes with the gear. wheel '105. Upon the extended portionofshaft 80 and upon said portion ofjthesh'aft; adjacent to the gearwheel 106, is a "cam; wheel 107, for the purpose further described.

The stamp feeding and aflixing, mechanism is located directly in rear ofthe I front plate 17, at the forward end of-the machine, The stampsupporting and feed-, ing mechanism consists of a reciprocating carriageframe 108, which moves transversely to the main frame of the machine,and.

in length is approximately two-thirds the Width of said main frame. Theouter end of the carriage frame consists of a flat plate 109, short inlength, having a horizontal upper surface and rear curved end portion,in a plane horizontal with the upper surface and rear end of the upwardextension 16, of the side 15, upon the left hand side of the machine,the rear, curved end of the plate 109 being similar to the saidextension. The lower surface of the plate 109 is considerably above aline transverse to the machine and extending upon the upper surface ofthe side plate li5,'of the main rame. Upon. the lower surface ofthe'plate 109 adjacent to the forward end is a downward, curved ex-'tension 110, and upon said forward endand extension 16, of the side lefthand side of the machine, is connected rlgidly one end of a rod 115, theother end adjacent to its upper surface is a forward extension 111, uponwhich is a flange 113. (See Fig. 3). The inner end of the car-. riageconsists of a plate 112, ofthe same pro portion and like in constructionto the end portlofis of the respective plate 109, and

' having flanges 112*, which are the same as flanges 113.. With theinner surface and lower rear end portions .of the res ctive plates 109and 112 is connected 'rigi ly the ends of the hollow bar or tube 114,which tube extends through said plates.

With the lower, rear portion of upward plate 15, on the of which rod isextended through the tube 114, and is of suflicient length to permit thefull movement outwardly of the reciprocating carriage 108. The tubularconnection 114 for'the carriage, is su ported upon the right hand'sideof the mac me by; means of" a clamp 116, embracing the tube with whichclamp is connected an arm 117, extending to'' rolleris slightly lessthan the tube 114. A' "tube 122 is rigidly connected with the upperportion of sides'109 and 112, a short distance forward of the .roller120, and extends through boss 122", on said sides, upon the samehorizontal plane as the pivots to the roller 120. Through the tube .122extends the outer end of a rod 123, and to the same distanceas rod 115,in the tube 114. The inner end of the rod .123, extends through theextension 16, of the side plate. 15, on the vided with a head 1 24,;ontheouter 'sur ace of said extension, and upon 'which 'head is a arerolled prior to use in' left hand side ofthe machine' and-isroscrew-threaded bolt 125,- for the fur- I ther explained.

To the flanges 112" and 113 of the respective sides 109 and 112, of'thereciprocating carria e 108, are secured the respective horizonta' outerand inner bars 127 and 128, which traverse with the carriage. These barsare arranged flatwise together, and between said bars is a flatse'parat-ing'bar-129, the upper surface of which is lower than the uppersurface of bars 127- and 128. (See Fig. 1). inner bars 128, at its outerend, 1s fixed a cam block 130, its surfaces being curved Upon the uppersurface. of the the forward end of the bar, the inclinationdownwardlyand gradually to the upper surface of the bar.

Ratchet teeth 131 are formed upon the upper surface of the bar, of thewidth of a stamp apart and in series, and extending from the rearinclined portion of cam 130 to of the ratchet teeth being toward theouter end of the bar and in number exceeding by one the number of stampsusually in the rows in the ordinary oflicial stamped. sheet.

Upon the inner end of the outer bar127 which is adjacent to the frontplate 17, is a cam 132, similar to the cam 130, and in the upper surfaceof said bar 127 are ratchet teeth 133, wide apart and inclined in anop-- posite direction to the ratchet teeth 131, said teeth 133alternating in position on the bar 127 to the position of the ratchetteeth 131. (See Figs. 1, 2 and 3). These ratchettoothed bars move in thenotch 16*, of the extension 16, on the right hand side of the machine,and are 'afli'orded a bearing in said notch.

At a point on the vertical surface of the rear bar 128, from the-innerend, in advance of the vertical line of the last ratchet tooth when inits forward position is pivotally connected at 134 the lower end of atripping plate 135, the upper end of which plate extends a, shortdistance in height above the vertical plane of the ratchet teeth 131,and the rear portion of said upper end is inclined upwardly andforwardly, to a point. In the forward portion of the upper end of saidplate 135 is a notch 136. (See Fig. 3). With the upper end of said plate135 is pivotally-connected the forward inwardlybent end of a rod 137,the rear end of which rod extends through the extended portion of theside-112, of the reciprocating carriage 108, and to a position a shortdistance inwardly from the line of the inner end of the bar 128, andcomes into contact with the inner surface of the upward extension 16, ofthe side 15, on the left hand side of the machine and moves said tripplate 135 forwardly into contact-with the stop pin 136".

A short distance above the ratchet-toothed bars 127 and 128 is areciprocating bar 140,

as shown rectangular in cross-section. This bar is supported in theslotted ends 142, of the brackets 141, which are secured fixedly to theupper portion of the outer surface of the front plate 17, at 143, thenceextended upwardly and bent at right angles rearwardly, to a positionabove the ratchettoothed bars. These brackets 141 are located upon thefront plate about equi-distant from the flanged portions 18, of thefront plate. Upon the intermediate portion of the bar 140 is a slottedbar 144 held by the set screw 145.

Upon the outer end of the bar 140 is a block 146, adjustably connectedwith the bar 140, by the set screw 147. From the outer nooroo1 inner bar128, the inner ends of both bars being cut away. These bars are. securedat a point intermediate the hooked ends to a pivot 151 extendingtransversely through the bars and the lower ends of the plate 148, andsecured rigidly to said bars. With the end portion of the pivot 151* inthe direction of the front plate '-17 is connected a crankarm 151,extending downwardly a short distance, and with the arm of the crank isconnected the lower end of a spiral-spring 152, the upper end of whichspring is connected with a pin 153, on -the adjacent side of the block146, on the reciprocating bar 140. (See Figs; 1, 10 and 11). Upon theside portion of the bar 150 is a pin 150", which comes into contact withthe plate 135, on the bar 128 and communicates a grasshopper movement tothe catch bars 127 and 128.

To the inner surfaces of the lower, forward ends of the sides 109 and112, of the reciprocating carriage and also to the downward curvedextensions 110- is pivoted the sides of a small feed roller 154, uponthe outer surface of which roller are annular milled rollers orenlargement-s 155, slightly larger in circumference than said rollerand-arranged'at both ends and intermediate said ends of said roller, thenumber as shown being sufficient to move the stamps in a row in a sheetof stamps, and spread apart as seen in Fig. 12. Directly above thisroller 154 is a hollow rotary tube 156, in which is longitudinal key-wayor slot 157. Upon the outer surface of .the tube is a number of stampfeeding rollers 158, of considerable size, the outer surface of which isserrated. The tube 156 is about twice the circumference of roller 154,and the inner surface of the enlargement above the slot 157 is serrated.The enlargements upon the tube and roller are in contact with each plate109 of the reciprocating carriage, into 'two grooves 161 and 162,extending around the rod a slight distance apart, leaving a short ribbetween the grooves. A springplate 163 is connected with the side plate15,

of the main frame, the outer end of which plate extends downwardly andenters one of the grooves 161, 162,. (See Figs. 2 and 3). In the slidingmovement of the shaft- 159, the end. of the plate 163 moves from onegroove to the other.

In order to keep the sheet of stamps close" tothe roller 120,a plate 164is extended in "a curved line concentric with and close in position tothe rear'surface ofthe roller, and then extended forwardly anddownwardly to rear portion of the small roller 154, and

securedto a small rod 165, which rod is connected at its ends with theinner surfaces of the sides 109 and 112,'of the reciprocating carriage108. (See Fig 12). The upper portion of the plate 164 is held in ayielding-position by vmeans of the springplate 166-, secu'redto the pins167 on the inner surface of the sides 109, 112, of the reciprocatingcarriage. (See Fig. 4). i

The stamp-aflixing device consists of a straight lever bar168, locatedon the inner surface of the front plate 17, of the main frame of the.machine, and pivoted to the pivot 169, on said front. plate located ashort distance above the transverse plate 101, and a short distancetowardthe left hand side plate 15, from a point intermediate the rightand left hand side plates. The end of the lever in the direction of theright hand side plate 15 terminates a short dis-' tance therefrom, and aportion is bent at right angles and extended. downwardly, and with saidportion is connected the stamp separating plate170, which is rectangularin form and the size of an ordinary oflicial stamp. The other end of thelever 168 is bent rearwardly a slight distancefrom the front plate 17,and extends'through a vertical "slot 171, in the left hand side-plate15, of the main frame, and upon said end is an anti-friction roller 172.(See Fig. 7).

A slight distance above the upper surface of the plate 101 and the end"portion of said .plate toward the side 15, on the leftzhand sideof themain frame is a horizontal plate 173, (see Figs. 3 and 12), shortinlength,

upon the rear portion of which is an 11 wardly extendedflangeilfl,secured fixe ly Fig. .13).

to the inner surface of the front plate 17. In said plates 173 and 101directly beneath the stamp-separating plate 170, on lever 168, areopenings 17 5, registering with each other and rectangular in form, andadapted Upon the outer end of the mainv power shaft 80 is looselymounted ahollow sleeve 176. (See Fig.7). Upon the inner end ofthe sleeveis mounted a gear wheel 177, and'upon its outer end is mounted a bevelgear wheel 178. =Upon the outer portion of the bevel ear wheel is ahub-17 9, and "upon said hub is'a radial pm 180. Upon said shaft 80,nearhub- 179, is fixedly mounted a clutch wheel 181, in which is amovable clutch plate or bar 182, upon the portion of which plate towardthe hub 179 is a pin:183, which pin extends through slot 183", in wheel181, and is adapted to 'come into contact with the pin 180, when saidclutch plate moves inwardly. Said clutch wheel 181 is provided with agroove in the surfaceofone-sid'e of the wheel, extending diametricallythereto, in which groove is inserted the clutch. bar 182, in the centralportion of which plate is a slot 184, the sides of whichslot are movablepast the adjacent sides of shaft 80. Between the shaft '80 and the upperend of the slot 184, is a spiralspring 185. (See The curved'cnd oftheclutch plate extends a short distance ,fromspring 185,-beyond theline of the periphery-of the wheel. 1 1

With the-head 124 of the rod 123, is connected the'downwardly bentportion of the bracket 186, which is securedt'o said head by the nut187. The. up erportion of the bracket extendsv outwardly a suitabledistance and is inclined forwardly at an angle to the extensionlfi,ofthe side plate 15, thence bent at right angles andaportion .187extended downwardly to a position 'in' rear and a-short distance belowthe position of shaft 80, thence inclined downwardl. and extendedinwardly and connecte with the side' plate 15, of the main frame of themachine. Ini-thevertical portion 187 ,of the :bracket 186, isjournaledthe outer end of the shaft 159,- operating the stamp feeder. A shortdistance below said shaft 159 is a short power-transmitting- .shaft.188, its inner end being journal'ed' in a bearing 189, on theoutersurface of the-- side plate? 15, of the'main frame, and the outer endjournaled in the portion 187, on the bracket 186. Upon the inner end ofsaid shaft is a gear wheel 190, with which engages the gear wheel 177,on the main shaft 80. Upon the outer end of shaft 188 is a large gearwheel 191 Upon the shaft 159, directly above the gear wheel 191, is agear wheel 192, which meshes therewith.

Upon each sideof-the gear wheel 192 are formed hubs 193, through whichextend diametrically the clutch bars 194 actuated by the springs 194",which are the same in construction as the clutch bars 182, the ends ofthese bars 194 extending in one'direction short distances from the linesof the periphery of the hubs and in parallel planes. Upon the other orinner portions of said clutch bars 194 and upon corresponding ends ofsaid bars are clutch pins 195. The gear wheel 192, withits hubs 193 isloose on the shaft 159 between hubs 200 and 202, (see Fig. 15) to permitthe sliding movementof the said shaft. With the upper, horizontalportion of the bracket 186 and rear 'surfacefis rigidly connected aplate 197, in which is a vertical slot 1.98, (see Figs. 1 and 3-) theportions of which plate 197 on each side of the slot, extendingdownwardly ,on each sidekof the gear wheel 192, and preventing its;lateral movement. Upon the shaft 159,- and upon the outer end portion isfixed a collar 199, which comes intojcontact with the outer surface ofthe vertical portion 187, of bracket 186, when the reciprocatingcarriage 108 completes its outward movement.

Upon said shaft 159, within the bracket 186 and located thereon inthe-direction of one of the hubs 193, to

give room for lateral sliding of the shaft 159, is fixed a collar 200,in which is a radial slutch pin 201. (See Fig. 3.) Upon the shaft 159and at a distance inwardly from the innerv hub 193,-on the gear wheel192 is fixed a collar 202, which distance corresponds to the distancebetween the outer hub and the collar 199, on the outer end of the shaft159. Upon the collar 202 is a clutch pin203, theposition of which clutchpins 201 and 203 extends in opposite direc- 'tions and from oppositeportions of the collars. on shaft 159.

. 205 indicates a vertical shaft arranged above and in vertical linewith the outer end of shaft80. This shaft 205 is supported at, its upperend in the shaft hanger 206, con-'- nected with the upper endportion;'of the extension 16, of the side 15, ofthemain frame of themachine. ,The lower end of the shaft is supported by a-shaft-hanger 207,also connected with the said extenslon 16. Upon the lower end of shaft205 is connected a bevel gear 208, meshing with-bevel gear 178, on thesleeve 176, onshaft 80. Upon-said shaft 205, near the upperhanger 206,:is connected a grooved cam 209, the

Loonoo1 groove in which is pitched so as to complete the movement of thelever inone revolution of the cam. Within the groove of the cam extendsthe anti-friction end of the stamp separating and affixing lever 168.

Upon the upper end of the shaft 205 is a circular plate 210, and uponsaid plate is a crank pin or wrist pin 212. 214 indicates the connectingrod from the reciprocating carriage 108, upon the outer end of which rodis a clamping collar 215, extending around the wrist pin 212. The innerend of the connecting rod 214 is pivotally ,connected at 216 to thelower surface of the block 144, on the sliding bar 140. The envelopmoistener, for moistening the upper surface of the envelop preparatoryto aflixing the stamp consists of a small, rectangular-shaped frame 217,located on the right hand side of the main frame of the machine, at apoint immediately forward the standard 69 and the inclined plate 67,carrying the yielding fingers 68. In this frame 217 is a sponge 218,held by the inner surfaces of the frame, a portion of the spongeextending beneath the line of the lowerend of the said frame.

220 indicates a lever or bar on the outer surface of the main frame ofthe machine, as seen in Fig. 8, and pivoted at 221 to said side 15, at apoint intermediate the ends of the lever. The forward end of the leverextends to a position in the path of the cam 107, on the end of shaft80. With the inner end of the lever is connected the lower end of a bar222, the. upper end of which bar extends upwardly a short distance abovethe line of the upper surface of side 15, and a portion 223 is bentinwardly in the direction of the frame 217, and connected with theadjacent side of said frame 217.

In order to keep the sponge moistened in the sponge carrying frame andalso the receptacle or trough 53, a tank or reservoir 225 is supportedin position adjacent to the side 15, on the right hand side of the mainframe with the bottom just below the line of the upper surface of saidside, by means ltheouter portion of the reservoir and its ends fastenedto said side 15 of the main 1 frame.

side of the reservoir and extends to a position above the sponge in thesponge-holding A tube 226 is connected with the frame 217. With thelower portion of the inner side of, the reservoir is connected one .endof a tube 227, the outer end of which tube extends through the side 15,of the main. frame, into the trough 53, a cut-off valve 228, in thepipe227, regulating the supply of water to the trough. The disconnectingmeans for disconnecting the power fromthe main shaft to the stampfeeding mechanism consists of a transverse I shaft 230, one end of whichis journaled at 231, in the upper portion of the side plate 15, ontheright hand side of the machine at a point in rear of the upwardextension 16, approximately beneath the roller 120, on the reciprocatingcarnage and a short distance forward the bracket 118, supporting thetube114:. The other end of the shaft extends through the side plate 15, onthe left hand side of the machine, and outwardly from the outer surfacethereof a considerable distance, and upon said end is an arm 232, whichextends to a position in a vertical line with the upper surface of thelower portion of the bracket 186, and the outer portion 233 bent in acurved line and extended upwardly in the path of the end of the-clutchplate 112, said contact portion of the arm being curved or rounded. Uponthe shaft 230, at suitable points opposite thespaces between the slats19, forming the table to the machine, are connected the pins 234, whichextend forwardly and downwardly within said spaces, and are within thepath of the envelops and are raised in position by said envelops intheir movement progressively through the machine, the position of thepins 234 and the arm 232 being inclined in about the same plane from theshaft. The power to operate the machine is applied to shaft 80, a crankarm 235 be ing shown on the outer end of said shaft, for manually"operating the machine. Previous to its operation the position oftheereciproeating stamp carrying and feeding carriage 108 is at thelimit of its inward movement so that the milled feed rollers 158 on theouter end of the tube 156, which acts to feed the stamps is opposite inposition to the separating plate 170, on the "stamp separating andaflixing lever 168 and the 'outerend of shaft 159 actuating the feedroller 158 is in contact with the screw 156 in the outer end of the tube156. A sheet of adhesive stamped paper of the usual well-known de--scription' and in which the stamps are separated by perforations, iswound on the stamp carrying roller 120. The number of stamps ina row isusually twelve and in series extends the length of the roller.Theadhesive surface of the stamped paper is turned outwardly in windingthe sheet on the. roller 120, and the forward row of .stampsispassed-between the feed or ser' paper on the roller is prevented fromunrolling by the yielding pressure applied; thereto by the u perportionof the plate 164. The sheet stamped paper may be of the usual orincreased length, as the. require.- ments exist in the performance ofthe work.

The fluid supplied to the tank 224; moistensthe sponge 218, in the frame217 freely,

- and a regulated supply is admitted to the trough 53, to be taken up bythe absorbent on the portion of the roller entering and leaving thetrough alternately. The envelops to be sealed-and the stamps afilxedthereto are placedcollectively in a pack upon the transverse feed plate60, and held b the hand against the forward surface 0 the plate orholder 47, and the end portion 52, of said holder, with the flaps of theenvelops downward and'slight-ly in advance of-the upwardly inclinedportion 63, of said plate 60. Power is now applied to the crank arm 235,on the main power shaft 80, and from thence through the bevel gears 90and 93 and. shaft 87 to the crank arm 88, beneath the bed of the machineto the connecting bar 94,

and a reciprocating movement is imparted to the carriage 35.

The position of the arm 232 on the transverse shaft 230 carrying thepins 234, being such as to bear firmly upon the lovv'r portion of thebracket 186, the outwardly projecting end of the clutch plate 182opposite to that carrying the clutch pin, comes into contact with theportion 233, of said arm, in each revolution of the main power shaft,forcing the portion of'the plate 182 carrying said clutch pin outwardlyand thus avoiding the clutch pin 180, upon the hub 179, on the bevelgear 178, and the power from shaft 80 is disconnected from the stampfeeding and aflixing mechanism.

Inthe rotary movement of shaft 80, the cam 107 on the opposite end ofsaid shaft to that receiving the power, imparts a vibrating movement tothe lever 220, and the sponge carrying frame 217 is given a verticalreciprocation, in which movement the sponge carrying frame descends to aposition in which the projecting sponge is in the path of the envelops.Upon the initial movement of the shaft 80 and the carriage 35, carryingthe feeder plate 60, the upwardly inclined portion 63, of said plate inits forward movement passes above the adhesive surface of the flap ofthe envelop lowest in position in the pack, and gives a forward-movementto the envelop. The feltabsorbent 61, -which has now moved from contactwith the moistened absorbent 58, on the r roller 56, comes into contactwith the adhesive substance on the flap of the en velop' moist-eningsaid substance. In the completion of the forward movement ,of theenvelop the envelopv .is advanced u on,

the upper surface of the bars 19, of the ed of the machine andtransferred to a position beneath the fingers 68, on the plate 67 whichrises to admit the passage of the forwardportion of the envelop whichmoves forwardly tothe position of the forward portion 66, of theforwardfeed plate 65,

III) 1 over which the envelop is passed at the beginning of its forwardmovement. Upon the completion of this first forward movement of theenvelop the feed plates 60 and 65 are retracted in position in therearward movement of the carriage 35. In the next movement forward ofsaid frame the abutting portion of the feed plate 65 imparts a forwardtransfer movement of the envelop, in which movement the frame 217carrying the sponge 218 moves downwardly, and the upper surface of theenvelop passing said sponge is moistened. In the completion of thelatter movement of the en-' velop the envelop passes over the inclinedsurfaces of the feeding blocks 41, to a position beneath the plate 100,in which the right hand, forward portion of the envelop is resting uponthe upper surface of the yielding plate 24 and beneath the stampaflixing plate 170. In the forward movement of the envelop, its forwardportion contacts with the pins 234, on the shaft 230,

which now act as fingers to guide the envelops, raising the ends of saidpins and partially rotating said shaft and raising the arm 232, inposition as seen in dotted lines, Fig. 6, and out of engagement with theclutch plate 182, thus permitting the clutch pins 183, on the clutchplate 182, to clutch the pin 180, on the hub 179, in the rotation of theshaft 80, transmitting rotary motion to the vertical shaft 205 and cam209, which latter actuates the stamp affixing lever 168 and thestampaffixing plate moves downwardly within the opening in the stamp guidingplate 173, and separating the stamp beneath, and forcing said stamp uponthe moistened surface of the envelop, the pressure of'the said plate 170being taken up by the spring 29, on the bolt 28. Upon the succeedingmovement of the reciprocating carriage frame 35, the blocks 41, engagingwith the rear portion of the envelop carry said envelop forward betweenthe rollers 102 and 103, which now seize the'envelop and cause themoistened flap to be firmly closed, and which also eject the envelopfrom the machine, the power from the main shaft 80 being communicatedthrough the gears 106 and 105 to the roller 102.

In the reciprocal movements of the frame 35 the envelops are taken fromthe pack, moistened as described, and moved forward in direction of thestamp afiixing mechanism, and transferred from onefeeder .to

the other, one after the other in succession,-

it being observed that at each forward movement of the feed plate 60 theroller "56 receives a partial rotation, so that the sabsorbent materialwhich extends around'the greater portion of the roller is moistened withthe water in the trough 53 In the rotary movement. imparted the mainpower shaft 80 to the shaft 205,

movement is communicated from the plate 210 to the connecting-rod 214and the reciprocating bar 140 carrying the hooked catches149 and 150.

The hooked catch 150 upon the inward movement of the reciprocatingcarriage 108, as seen in Fig. 1, is in position above and in engagementwith the ratchet tooth upon the upper surface of the bar 128, andimparts an inward movement to the carriage frame 108, a measureddistance approximating to the width of the stamp to be affixed to theenvelop, which movement continues as fast as the envelops are fedthrough the machine. The reciprocating carriage 108 continues itsmovement inwardly until the last stamp in the row of stamps held by thefeed rollers 154 and 158 has been affixed to the envelops, at whichmovement the outer end of the shaft 159 is struck by the inner end ofthe screw 156", extending through the end portion 109, of thereciprocating carriage, into the slotted tube 156, which movement movesthe shaft.159 slidingly to the left a slight distance, and the springplate 163 drops in the notch 161, in said shaft. This movement bringsthe clutch collar 202 and clutch pin 203 (which extends transversely toplate 197) in the direction of and close to the hub 193, on the innersideof the gear wheel 192. The clutch pin 203, on collar 202, nowengages with the pin 195, and in the rotation of the gear wheel from thepowertransmitted from the gear wheel 191, on the shaft 138, partialrotation is communicated to said shaft 159, and thence by the key 160 tothe slotted-tube 156, carrying the stamp feed rollers 158, a distanceequivalent to one-half the circle of rotation of said shaft and thestamp feeding rollers 155 and 156, on the reciprocating stamp carriag edraw upon the stamps in the succeeding row of stamps, and feed the rowof stamps to a position upon the upper surface of the plate 100, beneaththe guide plate 173, and in a position for the action of thestamp-affixing plate 17 0, which is now actuated by the grooved cam209,-communicating power to the stamp-separating and affixing lever 168.p

In the completion of the one-half rotation of the gear wheel 192, theprojecting end of the clutch plate 194 comes into contact with theslotted plate 197, and the said clutch plate is moved within the slottedportion of the hub compressing the spring 185, and thereby releasing theI clutch pins 195 and 200, and this action repeats itself at each end ofthe carriage movement. The

position of the tripping plate 135 on the reversed or in anupsetposition, as seenin 1 full lines in Fig. 3, as left by the catch bar150, when the. dwell has been completed,

and'consequen'tly the rod 137 pivoted thereto and actuating the plateextends rearwardly to its full extent, Upon the completion of the inwardmovement of the carriage108, the rear end of said rod 137'comesinto'c'ontact with the inner surface of the upward extension 16, of thelefthand side 15, of the frame of the machine, and moves said rod andthe tripping plateforwardly.

" distance in advance of a line passing transversely through the highestportion of the aforesaid ratchet tooth 131. Thetripping plate 135remains in said forward'position until the carriage 108 reaches thelimits vof its outward movement.

ong the completion of the inward movethe carriage 108, as aforesaid,which rough the engagement of the 0 with the ratchet bar 128, ;the

surface of the cam130, on

1 11s of thelcatch' bar the posimbine'd' catches isrevers'ed :in v pdescribed,-l}t;hehcrank "arms 151 being'fthr'own to the righflfchangingthe position' of. the spring, 152 -.past? the' vertical ,line extendingthroughi thei.Qpivot. of said catches 149 and 150.- Tl 1'ecatch bar 14-9in this movement engages, as further described, with the ratchet teeth"133, on' "t he ratchet bar 127, and-in the reciprocal movements ofthebar 140 carrying saidicatch bars, the" outward movement'ofthe'caII-iflge 108 fol-" lows step by step jbyi- .theff'power appliedthrough said reciproc'ations of said'bar, the I, gst amp being separatedfromwthe rows zine after the otherand 'aflixed' to the moistened,envelop by the stampfjseparating and afiix- 1 ,ing lever 168, which actsto cut off the stamp; upon the-lines of the perforations of the sheet ofstamps. vThis outward movement of the carriage 108continuefs until itreaches the end 01?; itsloutward movement, when the key160,"on"-the"shaft'159,-moving thekey-way157, strikes the inner surfaceof .1110 inner side 1 12, of the'reciprocating stamp carriage 108,causing a sliding-move? ment of the shaft 159 to the right, and the.spring-plate 163 moves'from the notch 161,-: in shaft 159,- to notch orgroove 162, 1thus bringing the collar"200 on the outerjendnof said shaftinto position for the engagement ofthe clutch pin 201, withtheclutchjpin 195, on the clutch bar 194 adjacent ithereto. The combinedactionof- ,th'e ,-respective' parts of the'stamp feedin ot'ed step. I byds or, moves upon the upportion of the bar'12'8, in:

, moves inwardly p1 plate upwardly and rearwar :of' the .firstratchet';tooth a 7 tion, this 1 being necessary, ltofgive' time 7 to the 'stam-pseparati ig lever 168. to move downandflsepara of stamps in the vcircleof rotatio ratchet bar 1499.,"

ratchet too'th gjand,irests step, as is followed in an operative detailmovement of this operative rmachine, first observing that the ratchetteeth on the ratchet bars 127 and 128 referredto in the specificationare all inclined, and the rectangular, upward projection .withrahorizontal surface at the left-hand end of the ratchet bars 128, as seenin Fig. 3, is a notched false tooth and performs no duty in theoperation terval of-time the circular plate 210,on the upper end of theshaft 205, is making the first quarter of a circle of rotation.

In the second quarter of the circle of rotation of the circular plate210, the reciproeating bar 140 and the carriage 108 obtain a dwell onthe outward dead center of the.

bar, and plate and the grooved cam 205 is actuating the stamp separatingand affixing lever 168, which lever now makes a complete downward andupward movement,cut ting off from the row "of stamps the last stamp inthe row., In the next'half'circle of rotation of the plate 210 theclutch pin j 201 on the clutch collar 200 being now in engagement withthe pin] 195,9011 1110111010 193, of the clutch wheel '192',-a halfcircle of rotation is impartedto the' feed rollers 154 and 158, movingdown another row of stamps into position and in the path of thestamp-separating and afiixing plate 170. In the same half circle ofrotation of the plate 210 the ratchet or catch. bar 149 passes. thefirst ratchet tooth in the; series of-raehet teeth 133, on the bar."'12(',j and slides over the inclined surfacejfof th0;1 rip 1n platenclinedisur ace-0f n; the next revo- 1n thefir'st quar n, v the. ratchetbar 150?? 30 the o e surface of; the ca "h \bar 3 150- andengages withthe 0 .0011, 136, .jnl -the upper end of the trippingfplate 135,"raisingthefsaid tripping dlylp'asjt theiline out of posihefirststamp in the rowdjjsecond quartenof h :th'e. -plate{-210 In the "rotation *-0f;p1ate-210: the 111 1 11 ias't e. first einclined surface of thesecondratchettoothand in next half circle 10f the nextrot-ativei'movementjof plate 210, in

the first quarter' of [the circle '01 rotation the catch bar .150;engages with the first ratchet tooth on tlieratchet bar 128, pulling thecarriage 108 inwardly the width of one stamp, and while the dwell istaking place in the second quarter of the circle of rotation of plate210 the plate 170 separates the second stamp in the row of stamps, the

catch bar in the next half circle of rotav bar 128 ,the rod 137 comesinto contact with -"the first ratchet tooth. The shaft 159 is also theinner side of the upward extension 10, of

the mainframe 15,-moving forward the trip ping plate 135 into positionin advance of struck by the screw 156*, in the slotted tube 156, in theouteriend of the carriage 108, thereby moving said rod slidingly to theleft, and bringing; the clutch pin 203, on the col lar 202",.in'eng'agement with the pin 195, on

the inner side ofthe clutch wheel 192, and at the same time onthesecond. quarter "of the circle of rotation of plate 210, thereciproeating bar 140 and the carriage 108 obtain a dwell, and thegrooved camv 209 opera-testhe 'stamp ope'rating lever' 168, land thelast stamp in the row is separatedand aflixed to the envelop, In thenext halfcircle of rotation of the plate 210' the catch; bar 150 moves,on the inclined surface of the cam 130,

and reverses its position, at the same time the clutch'pin- 195 on theclutch bar 194, on

the hubL-ofwheel. 192, which isn'ow in en gagement' with theclutch pinon the'coll'ar 202, on the end of shaft 159,- is given onehalf rotation,moving down one row of stamps and the clutch bar isdisengaged asdescribed, and at the same time the catch bar rides/upon the inclinedsurfaces of the cam 130 and reverses its position, the catch bar 149falling upon the portion of the ratchet bar beyond the first ratchettooth, In the next quarter of the circle of rotation'of. the plate 210,which begins another circuit, the catch bar 149 moves inwardlyuponthein-.

'clined surface of the second ratchet tooth.

In the second quarter of a circle of rotation. the dwell. ofthe-carriage and reciprocating 1 bar140, occurs during which time thecam 209 actuates the lever I68, and the first stamp in therow isseparated-and aflixed to the envelop. In the next half "circle of ro-jtation the catch bar 149 engages with the first ratchet tooth on the bar127 and moves the carriage one step outwardly the width of I 1 a stamp,it not being'necessary for the catch: bar to 'ride over the first -toothat the out ward of the carriage for the reason that'f ceases toofperate.v.

ated' as before. Misuseoffstamp prevented, andalso displacementfa thefirst stamp is separated from the row of stamps preceding the engagementof the catch bar 149 with the 'firstratchet tooth on the bar 127 Thecarriage.,then roceeds outwardly, repeatingfftlie'a' operationdescribed. 1 v

' The various operationsof thefmechanism heretofore describedarecontinued while the envelopsare passing successively; through themachine, until the last envelopjhas been stamped and ejected-.from-therollers-102 and 103, at Y which; momentf'the;pinsr23 t, on, the shaft230,-fal'lfbetween thefslats 19,fof the bed or table, andthearm"232,.comesinto.

contact with the clutch bar and) the mechanism of? the stamp I deviceWhile the stamp aiiiXin mechanism, are disconnecte,fftheienvelop feedingframe may beloperated and when another ack of' len through the machinetheshaare once arranged in the machine.

" finitely; 1 fed pre -g .ferred, the moistening of the flaps candispensed with by closing valve 228 fromthe tankand draining the waterthrough tube 6 1, or the roller turned'so thatgthe' portion absorbingthe water will not contact with the absorbent or-rplate 60.

In .the reciprocating movement of the stamp feeding carriagefland itsrelation to the envelop feeding and stamp afiixing and envelopmoistening mechanism a regulation .is effected between the respective vmechanis'ms, so that the timely'movements will enable the operations tobe completed under the rapid movements which may be given the main powershaft. I This may be augmented by the omi zed.- The invention-enablesthe various kinds of envelopsto be sealed, and'the' stamps to be affixedwith. a saving in time and labor, and with a uniformity "in affiningstamps for uniform cancellation;

" Various changesin 'form construction and operation maybemade, and suchmodificationand-lequivalents employed as are prop erly within the spiritof myinvention.

1Havingfully described my invention, what I nowclaim as new and desireto secure by Letters Patent 'is.. .1

1. In a stamp-ailixing machine the combination withtheframe of themachine and its bed or table, and envelop feeding devices movable overthe surfacefof the table, of supports on the sides of said frame, atransverse plate positioned directly above the envelop-feeding devicesconnected with said supports, I fingers on said transverse platebearuigv on the surface of thebed or table, and a spring controlling thepressure of the fingers.

power of a motor and the labor econ- 2. In'a stamp-affixing machine forenvelops, the combination with the 'main frame and the table or bedcomprising longitudinal bars having spaces between, of a reciprocatingframe, track railsupon the sides of said main frame, rollers upon andsupporting said frame on the track rails, feed plates connected withthe, sides of said reciprocating frame, yielding fingers supported bythe main frame bearing upon said longitudinal bars and adapted tocontrol the movement of-the feed plates.

3. In a stamp aflixing machine the combination with the main supportingframe, and the longitudinal bars forming the bed of said machine havingspaces between, track rails upon the sides of the main frame, a carrierframe having rollers mounted on the track rails, transverse envelop.feeding plates connected with the sides of said frame, feed barssupported by said carrier frame and movable between said longituditrackrails, transverse, rearwardlyeinclined.

feed plates for the envelops connected with said side bars on saidcarrier frame, and movable upon the surface of said longitudinal bars,composing the bed of the machine,

movable bars connected with one of the.

transverse plates on the carrier frame and movable in the spaces betweenthe bars com posing' the bed of the machine, inclined envelop feedingand ejecting blocks on the forward' ends of the saidmovable bars,standards on the sides of the main frame of the machine, a transverseplate supported by said standards, and yielding fingers on saidtransverse plate adapted tobearupon the longitudinal bars forming thebed of the machine. k

5. In a stamp aflixing'machin'ethe combination with the stamp affixingmechanism, and means for feeding the matter to be stamped in the path ofthe stamp-afiixing mechanism, of a carriage upon which the sheet ofstamps is supported, means for moving the carriage reciprocally past thestamp-aflixing mechanism at intervals in the path ,of the carriagemovement, rotatable stamp-feeding devices onsaid carriage and clutchmechanism attached automatically by the carriage at each end of thecarriage movement for clutching the feeding devices on the stampcarriage and imparting partial rotation thereto, and moving lntoposition a row of stamps upon the sheet successively in the path'o-f thestamp-aflixing mechanism. 6. Ina machine for affixing stamps toenvelops, the combination with the main power shaft, ofpower-transmitting mechanism and mechanism actuated thereby for"affixing the:stamps to the envelops,-means for feeding the matter to bestamped to the stamp-aflixing mechanism, a reciprocatingstamp-supporting carriage, means actuate by the power-transmittingmechanism for moving the carriage step by step in its path of movementpast the stamp-affixing mecha nism, a rotatable shaft on said carria 'e,and

stamp feeders actuated by said sha and rotary clutch mechanism actuatedby the power-transmitting mechanism acting to clutch said shaft at thecompletion or at each end of the carriagemovement and impart a partialrotation to said shaft and- .move a row of the sheet of stamps intoposition for the aflixing of the stamps to the envelops. A

7. In a machine for aflixing stamp's'to envelops, the combination withthe; main power shaft, of power-transmitting mechanism, and mechanismactuated thereby for aflixing the stamps to the envelops, areciprocating stamp-supporting carriage adapted to move the stamps insuccession and at regular intervals past the stamp-affixing mechanism,means actuated by the powertransmitting mechanism for moving. thecarriage step by step reciprocally in its path of movement past thestamp aflixing mechanism, means for feeding the matter to be stamped tothe stamp-affixing mechanism,

rotary stamp feeders on said reciprocating carriage, and clutchmechanism actuated an tomatically by the reciprocating carriage at eachend of the carriage movement for im parting a partial rotation to thestamp. feed ers and moving a row of stamps in a sheet of stamps intoposition to be aflixed to the I envelops.

8. In a machine for aflixing-st-amps to envelops, the combination withthe main power shaft, of power-transmitting mechanism and mechanismactuated thereby for-afiixing the stamps to the envelops, means for feeding the matter to be stamped to the Stampafiixing mechanism, areciprocating stam supporting carriage, means actuated by epower-transmitting mechanism for movmg the said carriage step by step inits path of movement past" the stamp-affixing mechanism, alongitudinally-slotted rotatable tube'on said carriage, and stampfeeders on said tube, a rotatable, slidableshaft within said'tube,rotary clutch mechanism adapted to clutch said shaft at each end of thecarriage movement and impart a partial rote.

tion thereto, and a key on said shaft adapted,

to be struck at each end of the carriage movement and move said shaftinto engagement with the clutch mechanism.

9. In a machine for affixing stamps to envelops, the combination withthe main power shaft of power-transmitting mechanism and mechanismactuated thereby for aflixmg the stamps to the envelops, means forfeeding the matter to be stamped to the stamp-aflixing mechanism, areciprocating stamp-supporting carriage, means actuated by thepower-transmitting mechanism for moving the said carriage stepby steppast the stampaflixing mechanism and reciprocally 1n its path ofmovement, a rotatable, slidable shaft supported by said carriage, stampfeeders actuated. by and in the rotation of said shaft, clutchesactuated by the powertransmitting machanism engaging alternately withsaid shaft and impart-ing a partial rotation thereto, and means struckty the carriage imparting a sliding moveme t and moving said shaft intoengagement with the said clutches alternately.

10. In a machine for aflixing stamps to envelops the combination withthe stampaflixing mechanism of means for supporting and feeding thestamps in succession to the stamp-affixing mechanism comprising aearriage movable at regular intervals past the stamp-affixing mechanism,a holder for the sheet of stamps on said carriage, and feeders for thestamps comprising upper and lower feed rollers, a longitudinallyslotted, rotatable tube supporting the upper feed roller, and a shafthaving one end extending within said tube, a key on said shaft which isstruck by the carriage at each end'of the carriage movement, and meansacting simultaneously to impart a partial rotation to said'shaft.

11; In a stamp-afhxing machine the combination with the frame of themachine and the stamp aflixing-mechanism, of means for holding a sheetof stamps in a movement at regular intervals past the stamp-affixingmechanism comprising a carriage mounted on said frame, means forimparting to the carriage a reciprocating movement step by step past thestamp-affixing mechanism, means for feeding the matter to be stamped tothe stamp-affixing mechanism, a longitudinally slotted, rotatable tubeon saidcarriage, feed rollers on said tube, and a separate feed rolleron said carriage beneath said tube, a rotatable, slidable shaft havingoneend extending within said tube, and a machine actin sh'aftin thesliding movement imparted by key on said shaft which is struck by thecarriage at each end of the carriage move ment,'rotary' clutches on theframe of the alternately to clutch said the said key'and advance a rowof'stamps the sheet of stamps to the stamp-affixing mechanism, and meansengaging releas- 'riage ably with the said sliding shaft when said shaftis grasped alternately by said clutches;

12. A mechanism'for stamp-afiixing machines comprising a'power-actuatedrecipro--. eating bar, and suspensoryxdevices thereon, oppositelyextended, hooked catches, a cen-' trally located pivot therefor on thesuspensory devices, a reciprocating stamp holder, and ratchet bars onsaid holder, and ratchet teeth upon the respective bars spaced apart andoppositely-inclined and adapted to be engaged alternately by the saidhooked catches, an arm connected with the pivot on the said hookedcatches, and a springconnected with said arm and the suspensory devicesfor said hooked catches directly above said pivot.

13. In stamp-affixing machines the combination with the main frame of areciprocating carriage frame mounted thereon, sliding supports thereforon said main frame, a stamp holder and feeder upon said carriage frame,ratchet bars connected with said carframe, and ratchet teeth upon the,respective" bars spaced apart and inclined in opposite directions, apower-actuated reciprocating bar, andsuitable supports'therefor on themain frame, suspensory devices on said bar, spring-actuated hookedcatch-bars" adapted to engage with the respective ratchet teethalternately and connected together and pivoted to said suspensorydevices, and a spring-actuated pivoted crank arm forcontrolling theengagement of the. hooked catches yieldingly with the ratchet teeth onthe ratchet bars in opposite engaging positions.-

14. In a stamp-affixing machine, the combination with a reciprocatingcarriage frame, and bars upon said frame, of a reciprocatingpower-imparting bar, oppositely extended hooked catches carried by saidlatter bar connected together and extending in opposite directions,devices on said carriage frame with which said 'hooked catches engage,suspensory devices for said hooked catches, and a pivot upon thesuspension devices for said catches, an arm connected with said pivot,and a coiled spring connected with said suspensory devices and said armsand adapted to control the movement of the catch bars in oppositeengaging position yieldingly, and cams on the bars on the carriage frameadapted to shift the said hooked catches in position.

15. A mechanism for stamp feeders in stamp-affixing machines comprisinga main I frame, and a reciprocating carriage on said frame, a rotaryshaft, a bracket and its support on the said main frame in which thesaid rotary shaft is mounted to slide freely, a power-actuated wheelloosely mounted on said shaft, hubs on said Wheel, spring-controlledclutch bars having outwardlyextended ends on said hub, and clutch pinson the inner. ends of the clutch bars, collars fixed to said shaft, andclutch pins on said collars adapted to come into engagement a rotatablesliding shaft, a rotary stampr end of said rotary shaft extends, a keyon feeding tube on said carriage frame having a longitudinal slot withinwhich tube one said shaft adapted to be struck by the carriage at eachend of the carriage movement, a bracket on the main frame supporting-theother end of said rotary shaft, and a power wheel loosely mounted onsaid shaft, hubs on said wheel, and spring-controlled clutch bars onsaid hubs having outwardly extended ends, clutch pins on the inner endsof said bars, collars connected with said shaft, clutch pins on "collarsmovable with the shaft alternately to and from engagement with theclutch pins on said clutch bars, and a slotted plate connected with thesaid bracket with which the extended ends of the clutch bars are adaptedto come into contact and disengage the clutch pins on the inner ends ofthe said bars, in the completion of a partial rotation of said rotaryshaft.

, 17. In a stamp-affixing machine the combination with the main frameand the stampaflixing devices, and means for feeding the matter to bestamped to said devices, a recip rocating carriage frame supporting asheet of stamps, and means for feeding the stamps to the stamp-affixingdevices, sliding supports for said carriage on the main frame, ratchetbars on the carriage frame, and ratchet teeth on the respective barsinclined oppositely to each other, a power-actuated, reciprocating baron the main frame, means on the main frame for imparting reciprocation'to said bar, and suspensory devices on said bar, oppositelyextended,hooked catch bars connectedtogether and pivoted to said suspensorydevices, a pin on one of said catch bars, means for holding the catchbars yieldingly and alternately in engagement with the ratchet teeth onthe respective ratchet bars, anda rearwardly retractable pivoted supportfor the ratchet bar with which the pin on said catch bars comes intocontact and obtains a dwell upon the movement inwardly of thereciprocating carriage,

and means contacting with the side portion of the main frame for movingsaid support forwardly in the completion of the inward movement of said.carriage frame.

18. In a stamp-afixmg machine the combination with the mainframe and theupward side extensions thereof, the stamp aflixing devices, and meansfor feeding the matter to be stamped to said devices, of a reciprocatingcarriage frame for supporting the sheet of stamps in, a movement pastthe stamp-affixing devices, sliding supports for the carriage frame onthe main frame, ratchet bars on the said carriage frame, and ratchetteeth on the respective bars inclined oppositely to each other, apower-actuated reciprocating bar, and suspensory devices thereon,oppositely extended hooked catch bars connected together and pivoted tosaid suspensory devices, a pin on the'side of one .of said catch bars,means for holding the catch-bars yieldingly and alternately in en-.gagement with the ratchet'teeth on the redwell in the inward movementof the stamp carriage of one of the ratchet bars prior to engagementwith the first ratchet tooth, and means connected with said notchedplate, adapted to contact with the upward side extension of the mainframe, in completing the inward movement of the carriage returningstamp-afiixing devices, sliding supports for the carriage frame on thestamp carriage frame, ratchet bars on said main frame, and

ratchet teeth on the respective bars inclined oppositely to each other,a power-actuated reciprocating bar, and suspensory devices thereon,oppositely-extended hooked catch bars connected together and pivoted tosaid suspensory devices, a pin on the .side of one of said catch bars,means for holding the catchbars yieldingly and alternately in engagementwith the ratchet teeth on the respective ratchet bars,va plate having anotch pivotally connected with one ofsaid ratchet bars, and in the pathof the pin on said catch bars, a'nd adapted to be moved from a normalupright position rearwardly in' the dwell of one of said ratchet barsprior to 'sheetof stamps in a movement past the engagement with thefirst ratchet tooth, and

a sliding rod supported by said reciproeating carriage, pivotallyconnected at its outer end with the said-pivoted notched plate andadapted to come into contactat its inner end with the'upwardly-e'xtendedportion of the side-of said main frame.

20. In a stamp-aflixing machine the com

